Painting depiction of Major Thomas McGuire's Medal of Honor Action on the 25th and 26th of December 1944. Flying Pudgy V McGuire was relentless in his actions on both of these days shooting down 7 Zeroes. These two days actions resulted in his recommendation for the MOH. less than one month later McGuire was killed in Action.
December 25, 1944 flying P-38 serial number 44-24155 Flying P-38L named “Pudgy V”. On Christmas Day 1944, McGuire volunteered to lead a squadron of fifteen planes to provide protection for B-24 Liberators attacking airdrome “Mission report 25 Dec 1944. Escorted B-24s bombers to Maracas airdrome. Take off at 0910/I over target area from 1035/Ito 1135/I at an altitude of deck to 21,000 feet. 3 planes landed home base at 1245/I; 1 plane headed home base at 1305/I. Enemy losses 10 Zekes (A6M5s) definitely destroyed. 5 Jacks (J2M3 Raidens) definitely destroyed. 1 Oscar definitely destroyed.Approximately 57 Oscars, Jacks, and Zekes were sighted.20 enemy aircraft attacked at 1200/I at 11 o’clock from our fight and 7 enemy aircraft from 0800/I at 5 o’clock.Approximately 20 miles west of Clark field. Approximately 30 other enemy aircraft were observed in the area from 5o’clock at 20,000 feet. Apparently 27 were engaged. Combat began 1035/I and ended at 1135/I. Our squadron landing west and flying top cover at 22,000 feet. Was at 2035/I by approximately 27 enemy aircraft; 20 from 11 o’clock and 7 from 8 o’clock the enemy planes took passes at the squadron at high-speed diving down from 26,000 feet.Three of our aircraft are believed to be knocked out in this initial attack. In the ensuring engagement 10 Zekes, 5 Jacks,and 1 Oscar were destroyed within a radius of 20 miles off Clark field. The enemy aircraft attacked continually, many dropping phosphorus bombs over this immediate area off Clark field. Our aircraft left when their gas supply was low.Heavy, intense, and accurate AA as to height of burst. AA over Manila town near dock area at 8,000 feet. Bomb burst was observed at approximately 10,000 feet NE of target at 10:55/I. Many serial bomb bursts were observed at all heights;four chutes were observed at 1050/I several miles NE of the target area. The enemy were experienced and very aggressive.All the enemy aircraft engaged were dark green with blue (grey) under the fuselage. One Zeke exploded in air. One Zeke smoked and crashed. Second Zeke smoked and crashed.McGuire received credit for 3 Zekes; victories 32, 33, and 34.
Painting depiction of Major Thomas McGuire's Medal of Honor Action on the 25th and 26th of December 1944. Flying Pudgy V McGuire was relentless in his actions on both of these days shooting down 7 Zeroes. These two days actions resulted in his recommendation for the MOH. less than one month later McGuire was killed in Action.
December 25, 1944 flying P-38 serial number 44-24155
Flying P-38L named “Pudgy V”. On Christmas Day 1944, McGuire volunteered to lead a squadron of fifteen planes to provide protection for B-24 Liberators attacking airdrome “Mission report 25 Dec 1944. Escorted B-24s bombers to Maracas airdrome. Take off at 0910/I over target area from 1035/Ito 1135/I at an altitude of deck to 21,000 feet. 3 planes landed home base at 1245/I; 1 plane headed home base at 1305/I. Enemy losses 10 Zekes (A6M5s) definitely destroyed. 5 Jacks (J2M3 Raidens) definitely destroyed. 1 Oscar definitely destroyed.Approximately 57 Oscars, Jacks, and Zekes were sighted.20 enemy aircraft attacked at 1200/I at 11 o’clock from our fight and 7 enemy aircraft from 0800/I at 5 o’clock.Approximately 20 miles west of Clark field. Approximately 30 other enemy aircraft were observed in the area from 5o’clock at 20,000 feet. Apparently 27 were engaged. Combat began 1035/I and ended at 1135/I. Our squadron landing west and flying top cover at 22,000 feet. Was at 2035/I by approximately 27 enemy aircraft; 20 from 11 o’clock and 7 from 8 o’clock the enemy planes took passes at the squadron at high-speed diving down from 26,000 feet.Three of our aircraft are believed to be knocked out in this initial attack. In the ensuring engagement 10 Zekes, 5 Jacks,and 1 Oscar were destroyed within a radius of 20 miles off Clark field. The enemy aircraft attacked continually, many dropping phosphorus bombs over this immediate area off Clark field. Our aircraft left when their gas supply was low.Heavy, intense, and accurate AA as to height of burst. AA over Manila town near dock area at 8,000 feet. Bomb burst was observed at approximately 10,000 feet NE of target at 10:55/I. Many serial bomb bursts were observed at all heights;four chutes were observed at 1050/I several miles NE of the target area. The enemy were experienced and very aggressive.All the enemy aircraft engaged were dark green with blue (grey) under the fuselage. One Zeke exploded in air. One Zeke smoked and crashed. Second Zeke smoked and crashed.McGuire received credit for 3 Zekes; victories 32, 33, and 34.